Page 16 - MC Prime 7 2022
P. 16
How empty nesters
can overcome
boredom
Raising children is a significant children. So a renovation or
responsibility. Parents know there’s redesign can provide plenty
no such thing as a day off, which of work that can fill idle
is why the first day they come time and instill a sense of
home to an empty nest can be so excitement about the future.
confounding.
Become a weekend road warrior.
After roughly two busy and likely Newly minted empty nesters
hectic decades or more of looking are likely still working full-time.
after their children, parents whose But now that there’s no soccer to share with others. But empty
sons or daughters have left home practices or band recitals taking nesters who experience significant
for the first time may experience up valuable real estate on your feelings of sadness and loneliness
feelings of sadness and loss. That’s weekend schedule, Saturdays are urged to speak with a health
not unusual, as the Mayo Clinic and Sundays can provide perfect care professional as well.
notes it’s a phenomenon known as opportunities to travel. Plan
“empty nest syndrome.” Though it’s routine weekend getaways, Replace kids’ activities with your
not a clinical diagnosis, empty nest choosing different locales for each own. After years of toting kids
syndrome can be a difficult hurdle to trip. Visit a city one weekend and from one extracurricular activity
overcome, especially for parents who devote a subsequent trip to the to another, empty nesters can
find themselves suddenly bored great outdoors. now do the same for themselves.
after years of being so busy. Empty Visit local community centers and
nesters looking to banish boredom Reconnect with old friends. Some libraries and ask about classes
can consider these strategies. individuals experiencing empty
nest syndrome may be hesitant for adults. Many offer classes
Give your home a new look. to admit they’re experiencing on everything from crafts to
Parents go to great lengths to feelings of sadness and loneliness. sports. Adults also can research
make their homes welcoming But a recent Sky Mobile study continuing education programs
The Morning Call Moms and dads often joke that, England found that 47 percent if they’re interested in a career
at local colleges and universities
safe havens for their children.
of parents of teenagers in
change or pursuing an advanced
were fretting about having an
between play rooms and study
areas, kids get the bulk of the
friends and fellow parents are
real estate under their roofs. Now empty nest. So it’s likely that old degree for personal enrichment.
| that the children have moved out, experiencing feelings associated Newly minted empty nesters can
2022, 24 July, Sunday parents can take back that space with empty nest syndrome. opportunity to engage in activities
look at their empty nest as an
Reaching out to old friends is
and refresh their homes. A home
that pique their interests after
that’s adapted for empty nesters
a great way to reconnect and
years of catering to the needs and
can provide an outlet to discuss
will look quite different from one
16 designed for families with young feelings parents might be hesitant wants of their children.
